We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amy Barnhart a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Amy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

A few months before my 50th birthday, my daughter was sick and had to miss her guitar lesson. I had always loved to sing so I decided to take her lesson and learn how to accompany myself. After hearing me sing, the instructor said “Wow, you have a really nice voice! Would you like to join my cover band?” and I immediately and eagerly said YES! From there, I joined another cover band and began gigging all over San Diego. I started songwriting in 2015 on a yoga retreat in Idyllwild. Bri Schillings, an incredible songwriter and artist had just written her song, Bend and, since I had been yearning to write a song but didn’t know how, I approached her for some tips. A few hours later, had written my first song, We Shared Music that honors my mother’s life and the gift that sharing music can give to connect us, help us feel embraced and live our lives with grace.

Amy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and performer with a passion for creating music that empowers and uplifts. My journey into music began with a deep love for storytelling and an obsession with finding meaning in life’s challenges. Over the years, my craft has evolved into a way to channel vulnerability, strength, and self-belief into songs that resonate with others.

What I Create
I write and perform songs that encourage people to rise up, embrace their true selves, and find beauty in their struggles. My music touches on themes of empowerment, healing, and the strength that comes from being real and open. Some of my recent works include “Dragonfly,” a song about transformation and resilience, and “We Shared Music,”which delves into the cathartic process of washing away pain through connection.

What Sets Me Apart
I believe what makes me unique is my ability to create an authentic connection with my audience. My songs are deeply personal, yet they reflect universal experiences. I’m not afraid to share my own struggles—like my tendency to overthink or my moments of self-doubt—because I know they help others feel less alone. I also pride myself on bringing raw emotion into every lyric, every melody, and every performance.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of the community my music has built. It’s not just about the songs but the conversations they inspire. Hearing how my music has helped someone find clarity or confidence is the greatest reward. My favorite compliment I have received about my music is that it helps you feel more whole.

What I Want You to Know
– My Mission: My goal is to inspire you to believe in yourself and embrace your unique journey.
– Connection is Key: Whether through my songs, live performances, or social media interactions, I strive to create spaces where people feel seen and heard.
– Music is Healing: For me, and for so many others, music is a way to process emotions and find strength—and I hope my songs become part of you living in harmony with the knowing you have in your heart.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Let’s rise up and make something beautiful together!

How did you build your audience on social media?

I started building my social media presence in 2023 once I decided to record and release my original music. I started on Instagram and Facebook and have expanded to share on YouTube and TikTok. It’s amazing how consistently and authentically posting and sharing has grown my presence so quickly.

Finding your audience on social media can be draining and frustrating but it is also a great way to build a community of engaged fans of your art. The most important facet to building this presence is to deeply understand why you create, and how you want your audience to feel as they experience your art. I create music because I am called to do so and denying that urge is impossible. I believe there is a higher purpose that music can serve to connect us to our inner truths and help us live more in tune with our hearts. My goal with my social media is to authentically share my experiences, stories, insights and connect with fans on a deeper level. The other aspects that are very important is to post consistently and encourage interaction with you by direct messaging a new follower and learning more about them, respond to comments and comment on other posts where your prospective fans hang out to help them find you. And, remember that building an audience is a long-game. Pace yourself and keep at it. Don’t get discouraged by vanity metrics like numbers of followers, likes, etc. Focus on the relationships you are building and find your super fans.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a songwriter is following the inspiration to write and develop the songs and integrating the messages into my heart and soul. And I love sharing! When I hear from a fan that my song has been going non-stop in their head, or that my music brightened their day, or how the message in the music helped them feel understood, I know I am living my purpose. Music communicates at so many levels. We feel the vibrations in our bodies, dopamine is released when the song hits just that right note, our minds are expanded, our emotions are acknowledged and we can feel truly alive, mind, body and soul. Sharing that gift is tremendously rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amybarnhart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amybarnhartmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553711043059
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybarnhart/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyBarnhartMusic
• Other: Follow me on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/28JlmYvVQOsXG0BT3AQ82X

  Follow me on Apple Music:
  https://music.apple.com/artist/1764376876

Image Credits

Jon Naugle
Elisabeth Yves Photography
Kevin Hirsch